On Monday, singer-actor Atif Aslam got a treatment of superstardom, which has left him with a very bitter taste. What happened was, post his concert at the Alhamra Cultural Complex in Lahore, Pakistan, three young girls were killed and dozens more injured in a stampede. A battalion of students of the Punjab College of Commerce (owned by Dunya TV chief Mian Amer Mahmood) had come to witness his concert, when the stampede took place.

Reportedly, when the concert ended, some girls rushed towards Atif to get his autograph. In an attempt to save him from the crowd, the security guards resorted to a light baton charge, which caused panic among the girls. And when the students rushed to the exit, the stampede occurred.

Reports have it that a large number of students were injured or fell unconscious. While the injured were taken to nearby hospitals, three girl students were declared dead and the condition of five injured persons is still critical. The Chief Minister of Punjab (Pakistan) Shahbaz Sharif has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Karan Johar may be the man in news for his two upcoming films AGNEEPATH and EK MAIN AUR EKK TU. The director is keeping himself busy with the promotional activities of both the films and the nearing release date of the Hrithik Roshan - Priyanka Chopra starrer AGNEEPATH is also keeping him on his toes. But, KJO's busy agenda has affected the schedule of his directorial venture and Dharma Production's third release of 2012 STUDENT OF THE YEAR.

''The film was launched with much fanfare a year back on 5th January. It was meant to be a high profile launch for Varun Dhawan (son of David Dhawan), Alia Bhatt (daughter of Mahesh Bhatt) and Siddharth Malhotra (who had assisted KJo during the making of MY NAME IS KHAN). It was a wonderful moment for the newcomers but as things stand today, they would have to wait for a much longer time period to see their dreams getting fulfilled,'' says a source.

CHECK OUT: Dharma Productions to undertake 'Two States' by Chetan Bhagat

Apparently, the reason behind the delays in the film's schedule is due to Karan's multiple commitments which haven't allowed him to focus solely on his own directorial outing. While the man at the hot seat had earlier admitted that he won't suggest any filmmaker to direct a film in the middle of other productions, it seems that Varun, Alia and Siddharth have no other choice but to just go with the tide.

The waiting period is expected to be quite an extended one since 50% of the film is yet to be shot. Despite the film being launched a year ago, the principal shooting kick-started only in August and since then Karan has been busy multitasking.

''Honestly, all focus is currently on these two films. I would get back on SOTY only after these two films have released. So far I have shot for half the film though. But the release date is yet to be locked,'' confirms Karan.

Guess till then the waiting period would continue for the young guns.

By Satyajit, Glamsham Editorial

When 'Dosa' (South) meets 'Samosa' (North)...something nicer and spicier is predictable to happen! Ironically speaking, in year 2011, the first three big box-office hits (BODYGUARD, READY and SINGHAM), were all official South-remakes that made cash register ringing all the way. EKK DEEWANA THA, an insightfully romantic flick about love relationships, falls in this cadre, as it is official remake of Tamil super-hit VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYA (meaning - Will you cross the skies and come), which was later remake in its Telugu version as YE MAAYA CHESAVA with a different cast and climax. On musical front, prolific director Gautham Menon maintains the sanctity of the subject and confers the musical department again to the maestro A.R Rahman. Like ROJA, HINDUSTANI, HUM SE HAIN MUQABALA etc, this album too has similar sounding composition from the original version with couple of added new songs in it. Past experiences and results clearly indicates a win-win situation for the album, but can this be one great album that will set audio sales soaring high with its quality displays. Can EKK DEEWANA THA be the perfect romantic album for youngsters in year 2012? Let's get straight into its musical facts...

To suit the mood and taste of Bollywood listeners, Rahman plays safe and tries to invigorate a sort of quintessentially Bollywood 90's stylized romantic composition in the opening track 'Kya Hai Mohabbat'. It's genteel and soothing in textures and comes more like a narrative monologue from the lead protagonist, exuding out shades of 'Mohabbat' (love). Rahman's caressing tones are expressive and connect descriptively with changing shades and moods of the track. It's a decent start (if not great) to the album where a listener is well-aware of the feel and gist of the flick.

Next to arrive is quizzically trendy sounding 'Dost Hai (Girl I loved you)', a hysterically and compassionately crazy version of 'Kannukul Kannai' (VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYA {Tamil}) by Naresh Iyer, with added shades and style of racy hip-hop emceeing and crazy sound antics, somewhat similar to 'Liquid dance' (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE). Jaspreet Jasz and Arya crazy emceeing are the resounding highlights, giving it a true uber-cool urbane feel and giving many thriving moments of excitement for big screen histrionics. It has typical Rahman's style of slick composing that are tailor made for situational needs, a perfect track for B-boying dancing on streets. In terms of performance and composition, it's different from original version as now Rahman experiments with loads of hip-hop emceeing rather than preferring on vocals, moreover a visual delight for new-age generation. Go for it!!!

CHECK OUT: EKK DEEWANA THA Movie Prerview

A Different Beat! Moving across from urban beat structure of hip-hop to enchanting sounds of Kerala shores is an all-together a blend of experience, a unique feel of romanticism that is gripping as well as narrative sounding in 'Aaromale' (appearing as 'Aaromale {VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYA})'. It's the genius of Alphonse Joseph, a renowned Malayalam musical prodigy that enlightens senses and makes the word 'Mohabbat' even clearer with his resonating rendering of 'Aaromale' (meaning my beloved) in varying tones. As far mood and tempos are concerned, it's a 'viraah' (song of separation or delusion) song where the lover cries for his beloved he loves the most and hopes for a delightful communion, in typical folksy tones. Rahman's composition pulsate the mood with intimidating strings that captures senses in the prelude and later it's the vocal throws of Alphonse that carries the song with the required dexterity. For Bollywood listeners, it will be all-together 'a different beat and breed' type of song that can be classified as 'folksy rock' ballad, sung meticulously and should be working as a prominent background score in the flick. Impressive!!!

Hosanna...finally! From the enchanting sea-shore mentholated chorals to the buzzing electronic digitalization in arrangements, the mesmerizing phases of jubilant romanticism takes its toll on senses in mellifluously composed 'Hosanna' (appearing as 'Hosanna' {VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYA}). The soul-stirring relaxing ambience in delectably soft orchestral flows domineers as so are ebullient voices, which together makes soulful impact on ears. Leon D'Souza minty breezy youthful tones are soulful bliss that concocts adorably with Suzanne D'Mello's subtly toned humming. Javed Akhtar's easy-on-ears lyrics justifies the feel of 'Hosanna' (meaning 'glory' in Christian chorals) while Blaaze's 'yuppie' wordings adds madness to the musical textures. As far as hysterical romantic impulse is concerned, it rejuvenates back the feel of 'Saathiya' (SAATHIYA) with loads of technical improvisations in both arrangements and orchestrations. Leon's boyish voice is truly a solace for ears, a worthy attribute by Rahman through this soundtrack that will surely be enjoying a longer shelf-life in months to come. Soulful!!!

Mushy romantic groves maintains its top-slot, as now the love-chemistry starts blazing through subtle overtures and whims in sentimentally rendered 'Phoolon Jaisi Ladki' (appearing as 'Omana Penne' {VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYA}). Once again, Rahman maintains the sanctity of the original composition and mesmerizes mood with magical spells of soft romantic hues that are blend of lovable voices and comforting musical decorum. Clinton Cerejo's soothing baritones in lower octaves are really enchantment for ears that exudes the charms of beloved in simple poetic phrases. It has delight of Malayalam lyrics of Kalyani Menon as well as her somber back-up chorals, adding feminine and ethnical shades of Kerala culture. Rahman's meticulously worked composition is beautiful amalgam of traditional and upbeat modern instrumentals that works positively in creating emotional shades in the chemistry. Adorable!!!

Soft, subtle and characteristically feminine in emotional shades and expressions, one of finest of Rahman' in this genre (Tamil (romantic)) makes an impressive presentation of words and rendition in 'Sharminda Hoon' (appearing as 'Mannipaaya' {VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYA}). It was hailed as one of finest by Shreya Ghoshal in its Tamil version as now Rahman changes his priority to Madhushree's sweetly toned voice in this Hindi version. The soundtrack has gloomy melodramatic shades of despair and separation but still comes with remarkable melodic flair of both vocals and lyrics. Javed Akhtar's poetic expressions are finest this time ('Main ik lehar hoon jo, Samay ki nadi se, Bas tumse milne kinaare thi aayi...') as it emotes out the depressed mindset of both lovers, where customary Allama Iqbal's poetry ('Sitaaron se aage jahaan aur bhi hai, Abhi ishq ke imtehan aur bhi hai... aur bhi hai') in latter interludes, gives it a true archetypical Bollywood finishing. Rahman's deep-toned somber voice adds distressed shades of desolation and makes a brilliant communion of expressions as the soundtrack progresses to be one of finest by Rahman in this album. Melancholic!!!

Frothy and flamboyant in mood, the romantic impulse is suddenly triggered to higher gears in vibrant sounding 'Sunlo Zara' (appearing as 'Anbil Anvan' {VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYA}). Energized to perfection for a cheerful backdrop and beautiful locales, this Rahman soundtrack lifts the moods completely in joyous vocals and pulsating orchestrations that enthrall senses. Rashid Ali's feather-touched voice serenades out romantic hues and makes tender vibes with Shreya Ghoshal's light-hearted singing. Optimistic to core, tonality and voices are now in cherubic mood to entertain, a lively-paced situational score that is expected to add loads of visual spectacle in its offerings. Cheerful!!!

Title track of VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYA (Tamil) gets a typical Bollywood's 'shayarana' make-over in 'Zohra-Jabeen', a blend of Urdu and Hindi lyrical toil that extols the dreamland of lover in most multicolored expression. Javed Ali's 'unplugged' version has singing shades of 'Jashn-e-Bahara' (JODHA AKBAR) in light-hearted stringed instrumentals, thematically oriented track that is likely to accentuate silent love chemistry of the lead pair. Javed Akhtar's lucid poetic verses are descriptive ('Zeena zeena taaron se utar ke, Jahan hai mere dil ki zameen aa jaao...') and seeps well into the contours of this nimble-touched orchestrations. Rahman excels again in ushering out the desired mushy sentiments, a worthy attribute by Javed Ali to the album. Lovable!!!

CHECK OUT: Prateik & Amy's romantic 'Moments' in EKK DEEWANA THA

To strike the senses of a typical Bollywood viewer, the classical 'Hindustani sangeet' version of soul-enchanting 'Aaromale' comes in poignant singing shades of Shreya Ghoshal in 'Broken promises'. It comes out as expressively rendered and outstretched 'alaap', epitomizing out the feel of 'Aaromale' (my beloved) in most vociferously pristine way. For all niche listeners, it's a sheer listening classical listening delight, as Shreya's breath-control, vocal throws and modulations are at par with the changing pace of the track, overall a great classical fusion number for the challenging phases of the film. Classical!!!

'Moments in Kerala', the first of impressive instrumental is delectably pitched violin work by Prabhakar, an impressive musical piece exuding pathos and hope for the lead protagonists.

'Jesse Land', a subtle instrumental version of 'Hosanna' in supple sounding Megha's voice is another enchanting instrumental work. It's a well etched background score work, epitomizing out the romantic feel and mindset of lead female protagonist.

Finally, the last to arrive is infectiously loud 'Jesse driving me Crazy', a rip-roaring hard-rock number, signifying the passionate feel about 'Jesse', a typical 'yuppie' friendly background score commodity. Sanjeev Thomas along with Timmy screeches their lung to emote out the obsessive feel with strong support of hi-tech sound antics and engineering supports.

EKK DEEWANI THA is one of the finest A. R Rahman's works that delivers 'deewangi' of music in all possible expressions that is conveyed through this eternal love saga. As anticipated and predicted, the album lives up to its big expectations and delivers bagful of quality entertainment. As far as commercial prospects are concerned, 'Hosanna' is expected to be big chartbuster while melodious spells of 'Sharminda Hoon', 'Phoolon Jaisi Ladki', 'Aaromale', 'Sunlo Zara' and 'Zohra-Jabeen' are expected to grow in weeks to come. Despite the fact that the album is blended high with South Indian musical ethnicity in its backdrop, it has potential entertainment as well as melodious quotient to strike chords with Bollywood listeners.

Worth-a-buy!

Rating - 4/5

Click to Comment January 17th, 2012 Bollywood is going places at international awards this year

Just when Aamir Khan's film Dhobi Ghat has lost out on a chance to win at the BAFTA this year, comes the news of three Indian films earning nomimations at the 6th Asian Film Awards. Actor Vidya Balan has been nominated in the Best Actress category for her stupendous performance in 2011's hit Bollywood film, The Dirty Picture. While Slumdog Millionaire music maestro has picked up a nomination for Best Composer for Ranbir Kapoor film Rockstar. He shares the nomination with singers Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Neeraj Shridhar. Director Zoya Akhtar's bromance film Zindai Na Milegi Dobara, credited as You Don't Get Life a Second Time, has been nominated in the Best Film category.

Check out the full list of nominations below to figure out who the Indian nominees are competing with.

Both SRK and Salman are being considered for Kamal Hassan's much-touted role in the remake of Gautham Menon's 'Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu'

Bollywood's growing fixation with the South has not just helped superstars like Salman Khan reclaim their stardom, but it has also become a ticket for many southern directors to make their mark here.

Probably why even before the release of his film Ek Deewana Tha, buzz about Gautham Vasudev Menon planning his next remake is already doing the rounds.

The director plans to recreate his Tamil superhit Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu with either Shah Rukh Khan or Salman reprising Kamal Haasan's role in the original.

Says a source, "Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006) was a superhit because it was one of the more modern crime thrillers with some super advanced special effects."

Kamal Hassan plays a cop in the film, and it was reviewed as one of the most engaging investigative films down south.

So technically since Salman has already played a cop in Tamil film Pokhri's Bollywood remake Wanted, he seems to be at an advantage here. However, we hear that the director is trying to work out dates with both Salman as well as SRK.

Sandeep Shrivastava, Vishal Ranjan, Hassan Jahangir and Kashinath Kashyap Naseeruddin Shah, Kay Kay Menon, Atul Kulkarni, Ravi Kissen and Shweta Bhardwaj January 13, 2012 10:56:12 AM IST
updated January 14, 2012 12:41:27 PM IST
By Martin D'Souza, Glamsham Editorial

This one's a dhamaal entertainer, with suspense and comedy thrown in at crucial moments to spice up the events that happen in one night. At every turn, there's a new twist, sometimes comical, sometimes sinister. To sum it up, director Hriday Shetty conjures up an entertainer which could be bracketed as 'suspense comedy'. The comedy comes full-on towards the end as the suspense builds up to the grand finale.

Shetty begins by showing his four main protagonists, Naseeruddin Shah, Kay Kay Menon, Atul Kulkarni and Ravi Kissen on beat in their police van. It appears they have finished their duty and are off for a good night's sleep. The mood, the setting and the screenplay that makes its presence felt in the next 10 minutes sets the tone for the rest of the film.

CHECK OUT: CHAALIS CHAURAASI reminds Atul of RANG DE BASANTI

Already in a 'mood' with rum in their belly, they indulge in some harmless masti with a couple in a car who overtake their police van from the left. Annoyed Sir (Naseer) blocks their path. While the hapless husband wonders what he has done wrong, Kulkarni, from the other side questions the wife with a 'leer'. There's tension in the air as to what will follow next even as Naseer asks the husband to take a swig from the bottle as he is sober. Is this a trap to corner the man? What follows next is a series of events that will have you gripped in.

The Hawa Hawa and Setting Zala, songs add to the tempo with small flashbacks thrown in to give you the complete picture. Obviously, I cannot spoil the suspense for you here.

However, Shetty could have been smarter in the editing department, by cutting the screen time by 10 minutes. I feel that is what stops me from describing this film as brilliant. A few scenes, although clear to the viewer, are unnecessary lengthened by going into more flashbacks. So much of spoon-feeding spoils the narration.

Naseer is his flamboyant self, playing the leader with a dash of arrogance and sympathy to his juniors. Kay Kay Menon, coming on screen after a long hiatus, takes time to get into the skin of his character, and when he does, he thrills. Ravi Kissen deliberately downplays his usual body language to match that of the character he plays, and succeeds to an extent. Which is a huge relief. But it is Atul Kulkarni who surprises doing a complete new act, getting into the character so deep that you cannot find shades of his earlier performances. Even Shweta Bhardwaj is used smartly with Shetty extracting a smart performance from her.

If you are looking for a film to entertain you, this one's definitely a must-watch. The ratings are for the screenplay, camaraderie between the four main characters, the plot which is smartly woven, the suspense and the right dose of comedy.

CHAALIS CHAURAASI will have you laughing, for sure.

Rating - 3/5

 

After grooving to the popular song 'Ooh La La' from 'The Dirty Picture', Vidya Balan is all set to debut in an item number. She said yes to Vidhu Vinod Chopra. She will be seen shaking her legs in an item number for his upcoming film, 'Ferrari Ki Sawari'. In the song, she will be seen in an ultra glam avatar. Special costume has been ordered for 'The Dirty Picture' actress.

Vidya's association with the Chopra is from the days of 'Parineeta'. She debuted with 'Parineeta' which went to become a blockbuster. After 'Parineeta', there was no looking back for Vidya. She went to give one after another hit. Now, she has decided to try her hands in an item number. The choreographer has not yet been decided but the work is on progress.

The song will be shot next month and Vidya is preparing herself to fit the song. She will next be seen in Sujoy Ghosh's 'Kahaani'.

Vidya is undoubtedly a talented actress. Let's see how she surprises her audience with her sizzling item number.

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Deepika Padukone is known for her style statement and this time she has surprised all with her backless outfit at the Screen Awards. Deepika's backless green outfit steals the show and grabbed many eyeballs. The long legged actress was spotted with green backless gown with matching jewelry. She tied a knot.

The back of the gown was deeply cut crossed her waist. A strap joined the two ends. The neckline is rounded and has sexy frills at its bottom. No one passed without giving a glance to Deepika and her sexy attire. She looked hot and stunning at the Colors screen awards.

Ranbir Kapoor and Vidya Balan was awarded with the best actor and actress awards. Deepika Padukone did not come home empty handed. She won the audience choice award for Best Actress.

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Anubhav Sinha's Ra.One seems to have become contagious. Now even a serious avant-garde director like Sudhir Mishra is changing genres for Anubhav. It's surprising but Sudhir is planning to make "an out-and-out action film."

Informs our source, "The script is a kick ass combination of cerebral and physical action, a kind of Bourne Identity meets Jackie Chan. It will have a huge star cast and some of the most elaborate action scenes seen on this side of the Hong Kong Kung Fu films."

Apparently, Sinha's friend Shah Rukh Khan is being persuaded to play the main lead, while Irrfan Khan, Arunoday Singh and Vidyut Jamwal are being slotted into the other parts.

The film is ready to go on the floors but may be pushed forward if Sudhir Mishra gets the final cast of his ambitious project Mehrunissa in place. The Big B is yet to give his final nod to Mehrunissa.

When contacted Sudhir Mishra admitted to collaboration with Anubhav Sinha saying, "We haven't yet decided if that would be my next film. It all depends on Mehrunissa. If that takes off then I'll do the film for Anubhav next."

The breaking news that is doing the rounds is that there is some tension brewing between Rajinikanth's two daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya. The sibling apparently plans to release their respective films on the same date. Their clash at the box-office throws clear signal that all is not well between Aishwarya and Soundarya.

Aishwaryaa and Soundarya are not thinking about the loss that one may cause to the other's box-office collection, they are adamant to release the Hindi version of their respective Tamil films around the same time.

Soundarya's 'Kochadaiyyan' featuring Rajnikanth being dubbed from Tamil to Hindi for a wider audience and Aishwaryaa's '3' of which Kolaveri D already became a national youth anthem will clash at the box-office same time.

Dhanush confirms, "Yes, I am placcnning to dub 3 in Hindi and release it along with the Tamil version. It's a thriller; there's nothing culture-specific about it."

Says a source, "Everyone connected with the project felt that a Hindi version of 3 was the need of the hour especially with its track Kolaveri di busting charts across the world.

Then the way the song was shot, it sounded even better than expected. Only Dhanush had misgivings. He felt his Bollywood debut should not be a dubbed Tamil film. But he was out voted by the rest of the 3 team."

While Aishwaryaa's '3' is on the finishing line, some romantic scenes left to be shot for Soundarya's 'Kochadaiyyan'.

Well, it rare to see two sisters clash at the box-office. Let's see who cash in the most.

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